Multi-compartment sealable bag apparatus and methods of manufacture thereof

ABSTRACT

A multi-compartment bag includes a first bag wall; a second bag wall aligned and joined to the first bag wall at a first sealed side edge, a second sealed side edge, a sealed bottom edge, and an unsealed top edge; a first closure track formed in the first bag wall at the top edge; a second closure track formed in the second bag wall at the top edge and configured to mate with the first closure track; a partition seal interposing and extending parallel to the first sealed side edge and the second sealed side edge.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application 62/694,441, titled MULTI-COMPARTMENT SEALABLE BAG, filed Jul. 5, 2018, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application 62/814,739, titled MULTI-COMPARTMENT SEALABLE BAG, filed Mar. 4, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The disclosure relates to pouches or bags. In particular, the disclosure relates to pouches or bags having multiple compartments and sealable with a closure device.

BACKGROUND

Pouches and bags for sealing items such as food items are known. For example, plastic bags having a single compartment and sealable by a sliding closure device that joins and mates closure mating tracks for sealing are well known.

SUMMARY

A need has been recognized for pouches and bags having a closure device and multiple compartments. A sealable bag having multiple compartments is provided. The sealable bag has at least two compartments separated from each other by a wall formed of the bag material. The compartments are sealable by a closure system. In an embodiment, the closure system is a closure device configured to slidably join and mate mating closure tracks formed on two sides of an open end of the bag. An increasing and unmet demand for packaging configured to contain different food items, such as cheese and meat, in a single package. Multi-compartment bag apparatus and methods of manufacture thereof in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein meet this demand.

A multi-compartment sealable bag have more than two compartments in an alternative embodiment, and have more than a single closure system in another embodiment. Multi-compartment sealable bags in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure enable efficient use of packaging materials, minimizing packing costs, maximizing utility, and minimizing environmental impact of disposable bag and pouch usage.

In an embodiment, the bag or pouch is formed of suitable polymer. In another embodiment, the bag or pouch is formed of any material now known or later developed and useful for forming sealable bags or pouches. The bags or pouches may be cut and constructed to be any suitable size or shape.

An embodiment of a multi-compartment bag apparatus includes a first bag wall; a second bag wall aligned and joined to the first bag wall at a first sealed side edge, a second sealed side edge, a sealed bottom edge, and an unsealed top edge; a first closure track formed in the first bag wall at the top edge; a second closure track formed in the second bag wall at the top edge and configured to mate with the first closure track; a partition seal interposing and extending parallel to the first sealed side edge and the second sealed side edge.

In an embodiment, the bag includes a closure device configured to mate and separate the first closure track and the second closure track. In an embodiment, the partition seal includes a heat seal between the first wall and the second wall. In an embodiment, the closure device includes a zipper apparatus. In an embodiment, the first closure track and the second closure track are configured to reversibly interlock and seal by hand-pressing.

In an embodiment, the first wall and the second wall comprising polyethylene. Preferably the walls are formed of a polymeric material. The first wall and the second wall comprising high-density polyethylene. In another embodiment, the first wall and the second wall comprising low-density polyethylene.

In an embodiment, the partition seal forms a plurality of compartments with the first and second side edges and the bottom edge. In an embodiment, the partition seal is a first partition seal, the apparatus further including a second partition seal. The second partition seal a partition seal interposing and extending parallel to the first sealed side edge and the second sealed side edge. In an embodiment, the partition seal is one of a plurality of a partition seals. the plurality of partition seals each interposing and extending parallel to the first sealed side edge and the second sealed side edge.

In an embodiment of methods, a method of forming a multi-compartment bag includes forming a first bag wall; forming a second bag wall; aligning the first bag wall with the second bag wall; forming a first sealed side edge and a second sealed side edge to join the aligned first and second bag walls; forming a partition seal interposing the first and second sealed edges; and forming mating closure tracks in the first and the second bag walls.

Additional features and technical effects of the present disclosure will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description wherein embodiments of the present disclosure are described simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated to carry out the present disclosure. In addition to the embodiments disclosed herein, other and different embodiments are within the spirit and scope of the disclosure, and its several details are capable of modifications in various respects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The disclosure is shown by way of example in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a multi-compartment sealable bag in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 2 shows a top view of a multi-compartment bag in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 3 shows a top view in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 4 shows an open multi-compartment bag in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 5 shows an open multi-compartment bag in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 6 shows a front view of a multi-compartment bag in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 7 shows a front view of a multi-compartment bag having a header in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 8 shows a method useful for manufacturing a multilayer bag or container in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments. It should be apparent, however, that exemplary embodiments may be practiced without these specific details or with an equivalent arrangement. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring exemplary embodiments. In addition, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, ratios, and numerical properties of ingredients, reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.”

Embodiments of multi-compartment sealable bags are disclosed. Apparatus of embodiments advantageously protect products including perishable food products. Multi-compartment bags are useful, for example, as deli-bags. In accordance with embodiments, multi-compartment bags configured as deli-bags may be advantageously used to store different food items, separately, in a same bag, sealable by a same closure means.

A multi-compartment bag useful for insulating and containment of food items is shown in FIG. 1. In particular, FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a multi-compartment bag 100 including a first sheet 101 aligned and joined to a second sheet (not shown) at three sides 105 a-c, leaving an open unsealed four side 107. The walls may be formed of any now known or later developed material such as polyethylene (PE), high density PE, low density PE, which may be configured for containing and protecting food items, for example, in a broad temperature range, and suitable for sealing said items. The sheet material may be clear, colored, or printable. Bags of embodiments may be made of any suitable material by now known or later developed methods for forming plastic bags. Plastic bag formation and manufacture may include, for example, forming a first wall or sheet and a second wall or sheet, and aligning the two.

A thickness of the sheets or bag walls may be any useful thickness. In some embodiments, the multi-compartment bag walls are formed of high density polyethylene, each have a thickness lying in a range of 0.0002 inches through 0.0040 inches. In other embodiments, the multi-compartment bag walls are formed of low density polyethylene and each having a thickness lying in a range of 0.0002 through 0.0040 inches. For example, in an embodiment, a high density polyethylene multi-compartment bag may have walls, each having a thickness of 20 microns or 0.000787 inches, a total bag width of 20 inches, and a bag height of 8 inches. The bag may have two compartments separated by a partition seal, each of equal width. The bag may include a header extending beyond a top edge of the bag another three inches, for example. The header may be formed to define one or more holes or openings. For example, the bag header may have a centrally arranged set of holes disposed at a portion of the header having a width of 3.5 inches, including a central hole having a diameter of one inches, and two holes flanking the central hole, each having a diameter of ⅝ inch.

By way of another example, in an embodiment, a low density polyethylene multi-compartment bag may have walls, each having a thickness of 25 microns or 0.000984 inches, a total bag width of 20 inches, and a bag height of 8 inches. The bag may have two compartments separated by a partition seal, each of equal width. The bag may include a header extending beyond a top edge of the bag another three inches, for example. The header may be formed to define one or more holes or openings. For example, the bag header may have a centrally arranged set of holes disposed at a portion of the header having a width of 3.5 inches, including a central hole having a diameter of one inches, and two holes flanking the central hole, each having a diameter of ⅝ inch.

The edges of the walls may be heat-sealed on three sides, and a closure track may be formed before, during, or after formation of the bag at the unsealed fourth side. A fourth seal, a partition seal, may be formed parallel to two side edges to separate the bag compartment into two compartments. In some embodiments (not shown), a plurality of seals may be formed parallel to and interposing the two side edges. The partition enables separation of items disposed in different compartments of the same bag. By way of example, multi-compartment bags in accordance with embodiments are useful for packaging different foot items such as meat and cheese products in a single bag for shipping or consumer purchase.

Such a partition seal is shown in FIG. 1. In particular, the partition seal 109 forms two interior bag compartments, a first compartment 111 and a second compartment 113. The partition seal 109 may be heat sealed from the bottom to the top or fourth edge 107. A closure system such as closure tracks 115 and a closure device 119. The closure device is configured to interlock and separate the closure tracks 115. The closure tracks 115 may be formed during sheet extrusion or after bag formation. The closure device 119 may be attached, for example, after bag formation and before cutting and stacking.

Some manufacturing methods including forming the bag walls by a tube formation process wherein the bag walls are formed of a single plastic tube, and cut therefrom into separate bags. In other methods, bag walls are formed from two separately extruded and aligned plastic sheets. Side and partition seals may be formed by heat-sealing or any now known or later developed sealing methods. A closure means for opening and closing the bag may be formed by any now known or later developed means, including, for example, closure tracks formed to interlock and seal a non-permanently sealed side of the bag. For example, a zipper-type closure device, now know or later developed, may be used to join mating closure tracks to interlock and close the bag, and to reverse the closure to open the bag. Partially opening a multi-compartment bag formed in accordance with embodiments may provide access to a first compartment, while leaving other compartment sealed. Sealable multi-compartment bags in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein also provide convenience by enabling separation of contained items such as different food items.

FIG. 2 shows a top view of a multi-compartment bag in accordance with an embodiment. In particular, FIG. 2 shows a top view of the bag 100, including the first sheet 101 aligned and joined to the second sheet 103 at three sides 105 a-c (105 b not shown), leaving an open unsealed four side 107. The partition seal (not shown) forms two interior bag compartments, a first compartment (not shown) and a second compartment (not shown). The partition seal 109 may be heat sealed from the bottom to the top or fourth edge 107. A closure system such as closure tracks 115 and a closure device 119.

FIG. 3 shows a top view of a multi-compartment bag in accordance with an embodiment. In particular, FIG. 3 shows an open bag 100, including the first sheet 101 aligned and joined to the second sheet 103 at three sides 105 a-c, leaving an open unsealed four side 107. The partition seal 109 forms two interior bag compartments, a first compartment 111 and a second compartment 113. The partition seal 109 may be heat sealed from the bottom to the top or fourth edge 107. A closure system such as closure tracks 115 and a closure device 119.

FIG. 4 shows an open multi-compartment bag in accordance with an embodiment. In particular, FIG. 4 shows an open bag 100, including the first sheet 101 aligned and joined to the second sheet 103 at three sides 105 a-c, leaving an open unsealed four side 107. The partition seal 109 forms two interior bag compartments, a first compartment 111 and a second compartment 113. The partition seal 109 may be heat sealed from the bottom to the top or fourth edge 107. A closure system such as closure tracks 115 a-b and a closure device 119. The closure system shown in FIG. 4 is in an open configuration wherein both compartments of the bag are unsealed. FIG. 4 shows a first item labeled A in the first compartment 111. FIG. 4 shows a second, different item B in the second compartment 113. Bags configured in accordance with embodiments advantageously facilitate separation of stored items to, for example, avoid contact between the items.

FIG. 5 shows a closed multi-compartment bag in accordance with an embodiment. In particular, FIG. 5 shows a closed bag 100, including the first sheet 101 aligned and joined to the second sheet 103 at three sides 105 a-c, leaving an open unsealed four side 107. The partition seal 109 forms two interior bag compartments, a first compartment 111 and a second compartment 113. The partition seal 109 may be heat sealed from the bottom to the top or fourth edge 107. A closure system such as closure tracks 115 a-b and a closure device 119. The closure system shown in FIG. 4 is in a closed configuration wherein both compartments of the bag are sealed. FIG. 5 shows a first item labeled A in the first compartment 111. FIG. 5 shows a second, different item B in the second compartment 113.

FIG. 6 shows a front view of a multi-compartment bag in accordance with an embodiment. FIG. 6 shows a bag 100, including the first sheet 101 aligned and joined to the second sheet (not shown) at three sides 105 a-c, leaving an open unsealed fourth side 107. The partition seal 109 forms two interior bag compartments, a first compartment 111 and a second compartment 113. The partition seal 109 may be heat sealed from the bottom to the top or fourth edge 107. A closure system such as closure tracks 115 and a closure device 119. The bag 100 is a headerless bag, having no material extending above the fourth side 107 for hanging or attaching to a dispensing rack or any now known or later developed dispensing means or configuration.

FIG. 7 shows a front view of a multi-compartment bag in accordance with an embodiment. FIG. 7 shows a bag 700, including the first sheet 707 aligned and joined to the second sheet (not shown) at three sides 705 a-c, leaving an open unsealed fourth side 707. The partition seal 709 forms two interior bag compartments, a first compartment 711 and a second compartment 713. The partition seal 109 may be heat sealed from the bottom to the top or fourth edge 707. A closure system such as closure tracks 715 and a closure device 719. The bag 700 is a headered bag, having a header 721 configured for hanging or attaching to a dispensing rack or any now known or later developed dispensing means or configuration. The header 721 may be formed of a same material as the bag 700, and may be configured to define holes 723 for hanging the bag 700 on a rack or one or more rods or pins, for example.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of methods useful for manufacturing a multi-compartment bag. In particular, FIG. 8 shows a process 800 including a step S8001 of forming a bag wall. The walls may be formed from separately extruded plastic sheets, for example. By way of another example, the walls may be formed from a tube extrusion process wherein a plastic tube is formed, flattened and cut to separate aligned bag walls. In S8003, the bag walls are aligned to each other. In S8005, the sides of the bag are formed by sealing, for example, heat-sealing to form two sealed side edges. In an embodiment of methods in which two separate sheets are formed and aligned, a bag “bottom” heat-sealed edge may be formed. A fourth, unsealed edge remains at a “top” of the bag. At S8007, a partition seal is formed interposing the two side edges. The partition seal may be formed by heat-sealing. At S8009, mating closure tracks may be formed at the top unsealed edge of the bag to permit resealable opening and closing of the bag across both compartments.

Embodiments are shown by way of example, and not by way of limitation in the figures and drawings. While the invention has been described in connection with a number of embodiments and implementations, the invention is not so limited but covers various obvious modifications and equivalent arrangements, which fall within the purview of the appended claims. Although features of the invention are expressed in certain combinations among the claims, it is contemplated that these features can be arranged in any combination and order. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A multi-compartment bag apparatus, comprising: a first bag wall; a second bag wall aligned and joined to the first bag wall at a first sealed side edge, a second sealed side edge, a sealed bottom edge, and an unsealed top edge; a first closure track formed in the first bag wall at the top edge; a second closure track formed in the second bag wall at the top edge and configured to mate with the first closure track; a partition seal interposing and extending parallel to the first sealed side edge and the second sealed side edge.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising a closure device configured to mate and separate the first closure track and the second closure track.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, the partition seal comprising a heat seal between the first wall and the second wall.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, the first wall and the second wall comprising polyethylene.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, the first wall and the second wall comprising polymeric material.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, the first wall and the second wall comprising high-density polyethylene.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, the first wall and the second wall comprising low-density polyethylene.
 8. The apparatus of claim 2, the closure device comprising a zipper apparatus.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, first closure track and the second closure track configured to reversibly interlock and seal by hand-pressing.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, the partition seal forming a plurality of compartments with the first and second side edges and the bottom edge.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, the partition seal being a first partition seal, the apparatus further comprising a second partition seal.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, the second partition seal a partition seal interposing and extending parallel to the first sealed side edge and the second sealed side edge.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, the partition seal being on of a plurality of a partition seals.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, the plurality of partition seals each interposing and extending parallel to the first sealed side edge and the second sealed side edge.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1, the first and the second side edges, the bottom edge, and the partition seal forming a plurality of compartments.
 16. A method of forming a multi-compartment bag, comprising: forming a first bag wall; forming a second bag wall; aligning the first bag wall with the second bag wall; forming a first sealed side edge and a second sealed side edge to join the aligned first and second bag walls; forming a partition seal interposing the first and second sealed edges; and forming mating closure tracks in the first and the second bag walls.
 17. The method of claim 16, the first and the second bag walls comprising polyethylene.
 18. The method of claim 17, comprising low density polyethylene.
 19. The method of claim 16, the partition seal formed by heat-sealing.
 20. The method of claim 17, the first and second side edges formed by heat-sealing. 